When Jesus appeared before them, they thought He was a spirit. He assured them that He was real, because of his flesh and bones; spirits are not made of the flesh. This was his proof that He was sent from the heavens to heal the sick, provide shelter and forgive men of their sins. He is living proof that His life was sacrificed so that they could live and be healed. He also wanted them to be witnesses so that they can tell others the good things that He has done.

Why do you suppose they were filled with fear then comforted by Jesus eating food?

Initially the disciples thought they were seeing a ghost or spirit, even, perhaps, an imposter. Jesus showed them the wounds on his hands and feet, and invited them to touch him, so they might believe that he was 'real'. The eating of food was further proof that this was the real, physical Christ.

He went to prepare a room in the Kingdom of the Father a place for thsoe who accepted him and so the Father ''those are my family''. Filled with fear cause they still think in human terms and could not get over the spiritual divine nature of Jesus. He is physically dead. Mary experienced the descent of the Holy Spirit on herself and the women seem to find it easier more instinctive to understand how that Spirit becomes flesh. When you start feeling life growing inside you...The disciples identify more with Jesus the muscly carpenter long distance walker and powerful preacher. The women can feel the `reality` of the Spirit growing and taking on the human nature. I would have not been afraid.overjoyed to tears. i am a woman :''

As they said these
things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, "Peace be to you."But they were
terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
He said to them,
"Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your
hearts? See my hands and
my feet, that it is truly me. Touch me and see, for a spirit doesn't have
flesh and bones, as you see that I have." When he had said this, he showed
them his hands and his feet. While they still didn't believe
for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Do you have
anything here to eat?"They gave him a piece
of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. He took them, and ate in front
of them. He said to
them, "This is what I told you, while I was still
with you, that all things which are written in the law of Moses, the
prophets, and the psalms, concerning me must be fulfilled."Then he opened their
minds, that they might understand the Scriptures. He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the
Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and
remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations,
beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these
things. Behold, I send
forth the promise of my Father on you. But wait in the city of Jerusalem
until you are clothed with power from on high."